News for Restaurants in New Orleans November 2013 Archive

Many locals were sorely disappointed last February when the venerable Frankie & Johnny's closed. At the time it was announced the closing was permanent, but now, with a full renovation of the building and new management, the restaurant is reopening. Frankie & Johnny's dates to World War II, and generations of New Orleanians flocked to the place for boiled crawfish, fried seafood and overstuffed po’ boys. The new incarnation features a brand new kitchen and a fully redone dining area and bar. A new outdoor dining area has been added, as well as a playroom for kids. The menu is similar to what it was for decades. Frankie & Johnny's, 321 Arabella St., New Orleans, LA 70125, 504-243-1234.

If there is one thing chef Greg Sonnier knows how to do well, it is to please the New Orleans palate. Earlier this year when he opened his French Quarter restaurant, Kingfish, locals swarmed the place, all familiar with the chef's always-fresh take on local seafood and Creole dishes. Now, Sonnier has opened Kingfish Counter, an easy lunch spot adjacent to Kingfish, where everything costs under $10. That also pleases the local palate. Typical of Kingfish Counter's offerings are an alligator meatball po-boy, or a duck, arugula and bacon sandwich. The bacon is actually coffee-cured duck bacon. Also on the menu: rib-eye medallion sliders with toasted pecan butter, char-grilled rabbit with spinach and blue cheese, and a cochon du lait pot pie that will redefine everything you thought you knew about comfort food. Oh, and just before you return to the office after lunch, treat yourself to a Creole coffee, nicely spiked with black strap rum. Lunch daily, Dinner Mon.-Sat. Counter by Kingfish, 335 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504-587-0908.

The Taste Buds are well known in New Orleans, but for those who haven't met them, they are three highly accomplished chefs: Hans Limburg, Gary Darling and Greg Reggio. This trio of culinarians has been opening innovative restaurant concepts in the city for the past couple of decades, including the now-defunct Semolina, and the thriving Zea's Rotisserie Grill. Now they have introduced Mizado Cocina, located in the Old Metairie neighborhood, and featuring upscale Mexican food and other Latin American flavors. A careful reading of the menu would suggest the food portion was designed around the tequila selections, of which there are about five dozen. The menu takes time to review and understand, but diners may choose dishes as basic as familiar tacos, all the way up to tacos made with Peking duck confit or fresh scallops. True to their usual style, The Taste Buds have created a welcome intersection of neighborhood eatery and special occasion destination. Dinner Mon.-Sat. Mizado Cocina, 5080 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70118, 504-885-5555.